Kansas City Greens support Question 5: reduce penalties for possession or control of marijuana and paraphernalia.

The Heart of American Green Party resolves to endorse a “Yes” vote on Question 5, on the April 4th KCMO Special Election ballot. Question 5 seeks to reduce penalties for possession or control of marijuana and paraphernalia. It reads:

Shall the City of Kansas City limit the authorized punishment that can be imposed in the Municipal Court for the possession or control of 35 grams or less of marijuana to a maximum $25 fine, eliminate jail as a potential punishment for the possession or control of marijuana, and remove marijuana from the prohibition against drug paraphernalia?

This ballot initiative began with a petition effort headed up by National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws – Kansas City (NORML-KC). We recognize that Question 5 does not entirely fulfill the Green Party mission to “end the war on drugs” but it is aligned with the values of the Party and reflects the platform’s desire to “create a step-by-step program for decriminalizing all drugs in the U.S.” With this endorsement we recognize the hard work being put forth by NORML-KC, and cannabis activists in Kansas City, to make strides towards the legalization of cannabis.

On this day, March 2nd 2017, be it resolved that the group adopts an endorsement of a ”Yes” vote on Question 5 in the April 4th KCMO Special Election.